In a dazzling display of innovation and compassion, 97 MIT mechanical engineering students unveiled six extraordinary prototypes designed to solve real problems and save lives. The annual 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes) capstone course culminated on December 8 in a spectacular showcase at Kresge Auditorium, where packed audiences waved colorful pompoms and thousands more tuned in online.

"Engineering doesn't move in a straight line," explained Professor Peko Hosoi, the Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering. "It loops, it resets, accelerates, and builds momentum, just like our students." This year's theme of "Cycles" perfectly captured how these talented seniors embraced the iterative process of turning brilliant ideas into working products.

The student teams didn't just engineer in isolation—they went out into communities, talking with people from all walks of life to discover meaningful problems worth solving. What emerged were six innovative solutions that showcase the best of what engineering can offer humanity.

The Green Team tackled a critical health crisis with HeartBridge, an automated CPR device that addresses a sobering reality: 350,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrest annually, and effective CPR can mean the difference between life and death. Their durable mechanical device delivers steady, consistent compressions and provides clear guidance to users—potentially saving countless lives when every second counts.

Meanwhile, the Purple Team looked to help family farmers with AgriSweep, a hydraulic-powered tractor attachment that efficiently collects fallen apples. This ingenious invention saves labor costs, reduces the need for chemical sprays, and could even generate additional revenue for farmers who sell windfalls for cider or compost.

The Red Team brought joy to craft enthusiasts everywhere with Scribbly, a user-friendly embroidery pattern printer that makes a beloved hobby more accessible. The Blue Team developed DORI, a deployable propeller guard enhancing safety for recreational boaters. The Yellow Team created Polar, helping families transform backyard ponds into smooth skating surfaces. And the Pink Team designed HydroHold, giving rescue divers a hands-free way to secure drowning victims.

Between presentations, the event celebrated creativity with performances by MIT's dance and musical groups, while animated films incorporated popular movie references, keeping the energy high throughout the evening.

Lecturer Josh Wiesman noted how students "pushed themselves out of their comfort zone," applying everything from thermal dynamics to materials science in unexpected ways. With access to makerspaces, mentorship, and budgets to realize their visions, these six color-coded teams spent 13 intensive weeks designing, building, and developing business plans.

Why It Matters: These students represent the future of engineering—one where technical excellence meets genuine empathy for human needs. From life-saving medical devices to tools that support small businesses and enrich daily life, their work demonstrates how the next generation is committed to creating solutions that truly matter. Their willingness to embrace failure, iterate, and persist through challenges offers hope that tomorrow's engineers will continue building a better world for everyone.